<p>Last year's winner returns to defend its crown. The price remains the same, but the shifters have been upgraded to Shimano Tiagra, which allow shifting from the drops and the hoods. (Sora shifters, spec'd on last years 1.5, may only be shifted from the hoods.)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>It felt sturdy through the bottom bracket under climbing and accelerating pedaling forces.</li>
<li>Whether it's the power of economy of scale, or years of trickle-down, this bike performs way beyond its price point.</li>
<li>Very stable, confident descender.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>A new platform for Cannondale, the CAAD8 platform features the big aluminum frame profile that made the company famous, and is enhanced with comfort touches like a slightly taller head tube and stretched chainstays.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Stiff feeling bike with a great all around appeal.</li>
<li>Exceeded what I've come to expect from an entry level bike.</li>
<li>The Cannondale has a very stable and secure feeling that's perfectly suited to the intended rider.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>This Defy shares the same frame geometry as the Defy Advanced that won the 2009 Editors' Choice award for in the plush category. It's slightly relaxed and a bit more upright than a standard race bike. Like all finalists in this category, Giant offers the buyer a choice of compact double or triple crank.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>The Giant just cruises along, steady under pedal input, never penalizing you through a broad power range.</li>
<li>As smooth as it is, it's still a sporty bike with good responsiveness and a lively feel.</li>
<li>Smart move by Giant outfitting the Defy the 25c tires because it probably played a part in the velvety smooth ride.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>With its carbon frame and fork, plus a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and brakes, the Giant TCR Advanced 1 stacked up well against its competitors. It has a versatile mix of speed and comfort.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Has a sprightly demeanor and aggressive positioning, but was still comfortable and stable.</li>
<li>Has a light and lively feel...and the sharpest wheels [Mavic Ksyrium Elites] of the bunch. And the position is quite comfortable.</li>
<li>Jams along well on flats, feels responsive on hard rides and turns nicely.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Testers of the Carbon 3 loved the seat stays that cut road buzz and its upright cockpit (tall head tube, shorter top tube). Cannondale includes a compact bar (less deep of a drop) and compact chainrings, both helpful features for the rider who wants to go fast but doesn't want to hurt as much at the end of the day.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>The Carbon 3 was smooth with a good dose of speed thanks to its excellent power transfer. Handles predictably at all times yet still fun on the twisty descents.</li>
<li>A taller head tube, angled stem and compact gearing made this a great ride especially for climbing. Settle into a comfortable gear, get the cadence in a manageable place and spin away.</li>
<li>Probably pound for pound the most comfortable bike I pedaled at Editors' Choice.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The steeper head angle, shorter head tube (than the Cannondale) and longer cockpit, as well as a stiffer feeling frame, makes the CR1 Pro feel more race-oriented for a plush bike. It's still more relaxed than a pure racer, but it leans more toward an aggressive rider who wants just a little less caffeine in his espresso.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>The perfect bike for the long distance rider looking for speed with a bit of comfort.&quot;</li>
<li>It feels plush when you're sitting up and cruising, but took on a more racy feel when down in drops. It's fast and versatile.&quot;</li>
<li>The CR1's standard gearing and more aggressive angles make it snappy in sprints, and more agile in corners, and it descends very well.&quot;
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>We loved the overall ride of this carbon framed bike when we reviewed it back in July 2008, and it's only gotten better since. The most notable improvement comes from the new fork that is carbon from steerer to dropout tips.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>The BH is a complete carbon package that handled virtually every riding condition and scenario gracefully and comfortably.</li>
<li>This would be my pick for a long day in the saddle, hard or easy.</li>
<li>The BH is very balanced. It's a great climber, a confident descender and has crisp handling.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Carbon may be all the rage but Cervelo's S1 is no ordinary aluminum road bike. A direct descendant of the Soloist, the S1's aero-shaped aluminum frame has a pedigree like no other in its class with past victories in major European races.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>The aero qualities of the S1 make you feel that you are constantly holding this bike back, especially on flat roads and descents.</li>
<li>Has a playful race demeanor that feeds your competitive urge, but it's not an agro, stretchy position.</li>
<li>Here's something I noticed about this bike that testers who get caught up in the details can sometimes fail to notice: This bike is a hell of a lot of fun.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The Xenith Comp delivers value in spades. Not only does its carbon frame have high-tech features like a tapered steerer, BB30 bottom bracket and asymmetrical chainstays, it also comes with a price tag that's significantly less than the other finalists.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Inexpensive carbon frames often have a wooden feeling, but there was none of that here.</li>
<li>A great bike for someone who wants a carbon frame with geometry and handling suitable for long solo rides, outings with the local group, and even an occasional trip to the start line for races.</li>
<li>Carbon, 105, and a full-carbon fork for less than $2,000? Wow.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Let's hear it for trickle-down: the FACT IS 10r frame is the same that was ridden by top teams in the 2008 Tour de France, with an oversized 1.5-inch lower headset bearing and carbon monocoque construction. Shimano's revamped Ultegra group and a set of Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels round out an impressive parts package.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Floats over broken pavement, but doesn't isolate you from what's going on.</li>
<li>Comfort and stability are its greatest assets; perfect for the non-racer who wants an everyday bike.</li>
<li>Specialized has always nailed the geometry on the Tarmac. It handles perfectly.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>A little brother to the Addict RC ridden by super-sprinter Mark Cavendish, the Addict R2 features integrated bottom bracket cups and an agile, race-oriented geometry. Shimano Ultegra, a full Ritchey cockpit and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels keep the weight less than 16 pounds.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Push the pace and the Addict comes to life offering a firm but pleasant ride and excellent handling that takes confidence up a few notches.</li>
<li>Racers on a budget will love the Addict. It feels like a true race bike and its Ultegra parts group make it a fully capable weapon for crits and road races.</li>
<li>An enthusiast bike for the rider who races, but still likes a long mellow jaunt through the country with friends.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>A new entrant to the American market, Focus is well-known in Europe; the Milram team races Focus bikes on the ProTour. Like the other two bikes in this category, the Izalco Expert draws on pro team input, with a race-inspired geometry, BB30 bottom bracket and tapered head tube all pointing to performance intent.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Whether pedaling hard in the drops to catch back on, navigating twisty descents, or just sitting in, it was easy to feel at home on this bike.</li>
<li>Switch out the wheels to a nice set of race wheels and it's a fully capable speed machine. It's also exceptionally comfortable for long rides, casual crusades or fast training rides.</li>
<li>The handling is predictable and sure, quick, stable when you're gassed... the bike feels like it wants to go.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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p&gt;(Price includes frame, fork, headset)
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As Pinarello's most exotic bike yet, the new Dogma incorporates a unique, asymmetrical Toryaca 60HM1K carbon frame through a process where each side of the bike is constructed independently. This process is meant to equalize load and torque distribution throughout the frame and fork without affecting ride quality. Our riders consistently marveled at the bike's handling and road feel.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>It's still arguably the most comfortable pure race bike in existence, but the new Asym design has added a bit more stiffness in all the perfect places.</li>
<li>The Dogma shines once you've been riding for more than two hours--and it shines brighter as you throw different kinds of road surfaces at it.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Perhaps the most recognized race bike in the world, Trek has continued to revamp the Madone into one of the best-performing race bikes as well. It's light, very well outfitted right off the showroom floor (including deep dish carbon clincher wheels) and praised by testers as a fantastic climbing machine as well as for its excellent vibration damping qualities through the OCLV2 carbon frame.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers Said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>The ride feel of the Madone is superb, very smooth yet feels connected to the road.</li>
<li>It's a subtle speed that maximizes comfort and agility all in one. The Madone is a very fun bike to ride.</li>
<li>It's one of those rare can't-go-wrong purchases for anyone on the fence about what is the best race bike for his or her own particular style.
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<p>($9,600 as tested)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Guru set out to create the world's lightest road frame with this (claimed) 747-gram carbon fiber wonder. Like all Gurus, the Photon is handmade at the company's Montreal factory and features an integrated seatmast and full carbon fiber dropouts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Snappy in jumps and when changing lines...rock-solid secure in squirmy corners.</li>
<li>Racy but not a race bike; comfortable but more than a plush bike.</li>
<li>By far the best-climbing bike I've ever ridden.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>An integrated seatmast, massive MegaDrive rectangular downtube and huge bottom bracket junction ensure ultimate speed and stiffness from the Advanced SL carbon frame. Testers praised its speedy nature, well-designed compact geometry frame and overall prowess right from the gun. They also appreciated the full Shimano Dura-Ace parts kit including deep-dish carbon tubulars.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers Said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>It immediately felt fast, willing to surge with every pedal stroke and not let up until the last lap.</li>
<li>It's for a rider who is always on 10 and ready to throw down at any town limit sign, be it two miles in or 75.</li>
<li>Stiffest feeling of the three. A pure winning machine.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>With its wood rack, faux-leather saddle and coordinating color scheme, the Globe Haul 2 boasts the chicest looks of the three bikes in the commuter category. The disc brakes are powerful while the Shimano Alfine rear hub operated flawlessly.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>It combined and elegant, almost old-school, look and feel, with a surprising capacity to pedal up to, and maintain moderately high speeds for a commuter.</li>
<li>The handlebar shape and position lends itself to impressive cornering at a the full spectrum of speeds.</li>
<li>I was able to stay seated when the ride got bumpy without discomfort.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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Raleigh outfitted the Detour Deluxe with impressive accessories that despite its lower price match up to the Breezer and the Globe. The bike takes bumps well and rolls quickly, and has sharp-stopping brakes paired with an internal eight-speed hub.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>It was fairly nimble, went up hills relatively easily, and the features were nice.</li>
<li>But I love the flat grips and the view from the upright position; disc brakes are also a plus.</li>
<li>A commuting companion for a dedicated bike-to-worker or regular errand-runner.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The Breezer is comfortable to ride and has a refined ride feel, while also upright enough to put you in a position to really turn the pedals over. The bike also features any accessory a commuter could need, including a lightweight, functional, plastic chainguard; hub-generated front and rear lights; near-flawless internal shifting; fenders; a rack; and a sub-$900 price tag to boot.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Nexus shifting is smooth and reliable.</li>
<li>The body positioning, gear shifting, seat height are all in harmony with my body.</li>
<li>I appreciated the full chainguard and bell.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>There's a reason Cervelo is by far the most-represented bike brand at the Ironman world championships--its triathlon/time trial bikes, including the compact-geared P3 Ultegra, possess a supple road feel. The fast and comfortable P3 platform is all the frame you'll need--upgrade to more-aero wheels when you're ready to vie for the top spot on the podium.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Feels most like a road bike</li>
<li>Side-to-side adjustment on the elbow pads is a plus</li>
<li>Would make for an easy adjustment for an enthusiast cyclist going to aero racing</li>
</ul>

<p>Felt's B2 has aggressive positioning and an innovative Bayonet steering system, which moves the fork steerer outside the frame in the all-important quest for less drag. The 54/42 crankset is sure to please those with thighs of steel. Bonus: The bike looks slick, too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Show up on this to an event, and you look like you mean business</li>
<li>A great speed weapon for big-gear pushers</li>
<li>Race-worthy wheels</li>
</ul>

<p>The fast and stiff-but never twitchy-Transition Expert has a four-position adjustable stem, which will let you tweak your position as your flexibility or handling skills improve. Fabian Cancellara won the Tour of California prologue on the S-Works version last year.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Testers said: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>I usually ride women's frames, but this unisex geometry still fit me well</li>
<li>Helps you feel relaxed and comfortable, even in crosswinds</li>
<li>Versatility is a plus</li>
</ul>